CET Cell Clarifies 30% Female Reservation Not Applicable To MBA Courses

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has clarified that the 30% reservation for women is not applicable to postgraduate management programmes, including Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Management Studies (MMS) courses. This clarification comes after the CAP Round 1 seat matrix was revised during the ongoing admission process.

According to a report, several aspirants alleged that the CET Cell had replaced the original MBA/MMS CAP Round 1 seat matrix after counselling had already begun by removing the women's reservation without issuing a detailed public explanation. Candidates who had filled their option forms based on the earlier seat matrix questioned the transparency of the revision.

A CET Cell official stated that the 30% reservation for women has never been implemented for postgraduate management programmes because the relevant Government Resolution (GR) applies only to undergraduate courses. The official further stated that last year's MBA/MMS admission information brochure had clearly mentioned that reservations for women, defence personnel wards, and orphan category candidates were not applicable to postgraduate management programmes.

The initial CAP Round 1 seat matrix was generated showing reserved seats under the women, defence, and orphan categories. However, concerns were later raised over whether the omission in the information brochure could override the existing Government Resolution governing reservations. The CET Cell official stated that the clarification was removed from the brochure, but the original Government Resolution governing reservations remained unchanged.

The CET Cell sought clarification from the government, which confirmed that the women's reservation is not applicable to MBA admissions. Accordingly, a revised seat matrix has been issued. The revised seat matrix includes category-wise seats for admission to first-year, two-year full-time postgraduate management programmes, including MBA, MMS, and PGDM, for the 2026-27 academic session.

The CET Cell's clarification has brought transparency to the admission process, and candidates can now make informed decisions based on the revised seat matrix. The revision of the seat matrix has also highlighted the importance of carefully reviewing admission information brochures and seeking clarification on any doubts or concerns.

In a related development, the MHT-CET Cell has sought a police and cyber probe into viral videos alleging exam and admission irregularities. The cell has taken this step to ensure the integrity of the admission process and to prevent any misinformation from spreading.

The revised seat matrix is now available, and candidates can access it on the official website of the CET Cell. Candidates are advised to carefully review the revised seat matrix and make informed decisions about their admissions.

The clarification issued by the CET Cell has significant implications for candidates seeking admission to MBA and MMS courses. It highlights the importance of understanding the reservation policies and procedures governing postgraduate management programmes. Candidates should carefully review the admission information brochure and seek clarification on any doubts or concerns to ensure a smooth admission process.

In conclusion, the CET Cell's clarification on the 30% female reservation not being applicable to MBA courses has brought transparency to the admission process. The revised seat matrix has been issued, and candidates can now make informed decisions about their admissions. The CET Cell's efforts to ensure the integrity of the admission process are commendable, and candidates can have confidence in the fairness and transparency of the process.